Cool MateDiscover
UK /["/dɪˈskʌvə(r)/","/dɪˈskʌvəz/","/dɪˈskʌvəd/","/dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈskʌvər/","/dɪˈskʌvərz/","/dɪˈskʌvərd/","/dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ/"]/
Definition
to be the first person to become aware that a particular place or thing exists
In simple words: to find out about something for the first time
Examples
- I want to discover new places during my vacation.
- Scientists hope to discover a cure for the disease.
- As I explored the cave, I began to discover hidden treasures.
- I always discover something interesting when I read books.
- She will discover her true talent in art classes.
Usage notes
Commonly used in both spoken and written English. Appropriate in academic, professional, and casual contexts, but avoid in overly formal settings where synonyms like 'ascertain' may be preferred.
Grammar pattern
discover + object
Memory hint
Think of a 'dig' when you discover something new, like an archaeologist digging for artifacts.
Collocations
- quickly
- soon
- suddenly
- be amazed to
- be astonished to
- be astounded to
- an attempt to discover something
- newly discovered
- recently discovered
- quickly
- soon
- suddenly
- be amazed to
- be astonished to
- be astounded to
- an attempt to discover something
- newly discovered
- recently discovered
- quickly
- soon
- suddenly
- be amazed to
- be astonished to
- be astounded to
- an attempt to discover something
- newly discovered
- recently discovered
- quickly
- soon
- suddenly
- be amazed to
- be astonished to
- be astounded to
- an attempt to discover something
- newly discovered
- recently discovered
Synonyms
- find
- uncover
- reveal
- detect
- learn
Antonyms
- lose
- ignore
- overlook
Common mistakes
- Confusing with 'recover' – to discover is to find something new, while to recover is to get back something lost.
- Using 'discover' interchangeably with 'invent' – discovery means finding something that already exists, while invention is creating something new.
- Omitting the object when necessary – remember to specify what is being discovered.